Congregation split on pastor's leadership

A Syracuse-based American Baptist Church representative said he is mediating a “volatile situation” that has divided the congregation of St. Paul's Baptist Church over the leadership of its pastor.

Renee Gamela

A Syracuse-based American Baptist Church representative said he is mediating a “volatile situation” that has divided the congregation of St. Paul's Baptist Church over the leadership of its pastor.

Some members have questioned whether the Rev. Tenolian Bell should continue to lead the church. Their concerns range from his financial management to the way he guides the congregation in its faith.

“It's a fairly volatile situation in that church right now because there are several people who support the pastor and several people who want the pastor dismissed,” said the Rev. John Buskey, the area's field minister for the American Baptist Churches of New York.

Bell, who's been pastor since 2005, did not respond to multiple inquires during the past week including telephone messages at his home and office, and written questions faxed and hand-delivered to the church.

The O-D attempted to reach six church officers. Two declined comment and four could not be reached.

At least one member has found another place to worship until the situation is resolved.

Velma Woods of Marcy, a 40-year member of St. Paul's, said she lost trust in Bell's leadership and spoke out at a January church meeting about her dissatisfaction.

She received a letter earlier this month informing her that she is now considered an inactive member — who cannot receive communion or vote.

The letter was signed by Trustee Short and Deacon Tillman Wilkerson.

“When you send me a letter and tell me I'm not a Christian,” Woods said, “and tell me that you're going to watch me for three months to see if I'm living a Christian life — you cannot judge me.”

Three congregation members interviewed by the O-D outlined these concerns with Bell's leadership:

- Bell's salary and benefits of $111, 269 make up more than one-third of the church's approximately $312,000 annual budget. For a pastor to take home a high wage when the church is struggling financially doesn't make sense, Woods said.

- The church transferred $10,000 raised for a planned community center to use in the church's general expense account, according to church budget documents.

- In October 2006, the church began collecting donations for the construction of a multimillion-dollar Family Life Center in Cornhill. To date, about $36,000 has been raised.

Buskey wrote in an e-mail that the transfer represented a cash flow issue for the church.

“This is a common practice within non-profit organizations to deal with short term cash flow problems,” Buskey wrote.

He said it would be fine as long as “there is a timely replenishing of the funds borrowed from. We would also encourage a local church to be open with its membership and donors about such action.”

Woods and other congregation members including Silas Richardson III of Utica and Delores Workman of Utica said Bell can be condescending in addressing church members.

“You're supposed to treat people fairly, as a man of God,” Workman said.

Workman said after she spoke out at the January meeting, she received an anonymous letter stating she shouldn't have a say in the church because her offerings are too small.

Richardson, who still attends St. Paul's and is a former deacon at the church, said Woods and others aren't trying to run a “smear campaign against Pastor Bell.”

“She's hurting,” Richardson said about Woods. “We want to be led, and led with a lot of love, like Christ would. We feel hurt and unloved by the current pastor of St. Paul's Baptist Church.”

The congregation might meet Friday, Feb. 29, to discuss Bell's leadership, Richardson said. This could not be confirmed with church officials.

Buskey said this week he could not comment further on the situation.

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